(3-minute read)
As an experienced Bristol osteopath, I am able to offer a range of effective treatments for nerve pain for patients in my Henleaze clinic.
According to statistics 1 in 10 people in the UK aged over 55 are affected by nerve pain.
Nerve pain can be minimal or severe, and the impact on patients is proportionate.
A major issue, such as a disc prolapse, may need surgery, whilst other, less severe mechanical issues causing nerve pain can often be treated effectively by an osteopath.
Other serious neurological issues that cause nerve pain, such as Parkinson's Disease and MS, also require referral to a GP for further review and treatment. Osteopaths are well placed to assess and provide this type of referral.
What is nerve pain?
Many patients present with nerve pain in the base of the back and neck, which is often related to spinal issues and strain patterns. The pain commonly spreads into the arm or leg.
For example, some patients will say they have sciatica. This term refers to leg pain along the pathway of the sciatic nerve.
However, there are lots of nerves in the body along which pain can be referred, and a thorough consultation at my clinic will highlight the specific causes of nerve pain.
To find out more about sciatica, please read this detailed article.
Are there different types of nerve pain?
Assessment and treatment for nerve pain at my osteopathic clinic in Bristol can highlight the area of origin of this pain and aim to relieve the nerve pain.
Mechanical compression causing nerve pain, such as direct compression on a disc, can sometimes require medication for pain relief, an MRI scan, and possibly surgery.
You can also get chemical irritation, causing nerve pain.
Inflammation, perhaps from a joint strain or disc injury, can cause a chemical irritation of a nerve. The pain can then be referred to areas that the nerve supplies.
Nerve pain can often be alleviated by mobility-based treatments to relieve inflammation with osteopathic treatment.
How is nerve pain treated?
Nerve pain often comes from issues in the back and neck, so by assessing spinal health, I can often successfully manage this pain. Often, I may need to advise patients on improving their posture, as this can be an important ongoing management tool to relieve and prevent nerve pain.
Other ways to reduce the postural impact of nerve pain for patients can include:
Bristol treatments for nerve pain can be discussed during a consultation with me.
I would advise patients not to be anxious about nerve pain; there are many different and effective ways in which osteopathic treatments can ease nerve pain.
As an experienced and qualified osteopath, I am well-placed to diagnose and treat nerve pain from a mechanical source or refer a patient if further investigation is warranted.
Nerve pain presents itself in different forms and from multiple origins, so the treatment of nerve pain is a very individual and bespoke solution.
I have written a detailed article about nerve pain, read more here.
For a consultation on nerve pain treatment in Bristol, please book with me here.